Macon-Bibb proclaims Black Maternal Health Week; local group schedules stroller strut

The Macon-Bibb County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday presented a proclamation recognizing Black Maternal Health Week for April 11–17 and urged residents to raise awareness of racial disparities in maternal outcomes.

The proclamation, presented by Commissioner Bridal Bailey and noted as signed by U.S. Representative Sanford D. Bishop Jr., said the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations and that Black, American Indian and Alaska Native women experience maternal mortality at rates about 2.5 to 3 times higher than non-Hispanic white women.

Commissioner Bridal Bailey introduced the proclamation and asked members of the public and the commission to join awareness efforts. Sabrina, a representative of Mother's Nest, accepted the proclamation on behalf of local advocates and invited residents and officials to an outreach event. "In honor of them, this weekend on April 19, Mother's Nest will host a stroller strut to raise awareness. I invite everyone here, as well as the mayor and county commissioners, to come out to Emerson River Park from 2 to 4 this Saturday, April 19," she said.

The proclamation text referenced reproductive-justice concerns, including restrictions on abortion access and rising cases of criminalization related to pregnancy loss, and framed the week as a time to "work to make pregnancy and childbirth safe, dignified, and joyful for all."

Sabrina also thanked the mayor and commissioners for the opportunity to advocate at the meeting. The proclamation and Sabrina's remarks did not include a funding request or formal board action; the item was a ceremonial presentation.

A council photograph followed the presentation. Upcoming related community events mentioned in remarks include a stroller-strut awareness event hosted by Mother's Nest on April 19 at Emerson River Park.